Chapter 52: Charlotte’s ball V

Serena whose heart was beating a mile a second nodded her head in acknowledgement as she tried to return Charlton's smile with tentative one of her own.

Charlton's eyes curved. Then, he asked, "May I request the pleasure of a dance with your lady-in-waiting, Lady Annalys Cross?"

Serena who had been expecting that it was she who he would be inviting suddenly felt her muscles tense and hand turn moist. No matter how hard she tried to deny it, at that point, she had to admit that in the deeper crevices of her heart, she had been anticipating Charlton's invite. Her smile almost faltered but fortunately, the times she had to deal with her mother-in-law and the rest of the ton paid off.

Serena briefly looked at Annalys who was standing on her left. Annalys was wearing a sweet smile, and her eyes were, well, twinkling. She knew how much the younger lady adored Charlton, and this must be a fantastical moment for her.